The Election Commission of Bhutan has qualified four political parties for contesting the primary rounds of election to be held on May 31, 2013.
Druk Phuentsum Tshogpa, Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa, People’s Democratic Party and Druk Chirwang Tshogpa are tested and qualified by the election commission of Bhutan yesterday. Bhutan Kuen-nyam party (BKP) is ousted from the race for this time, but still is recognized as political party to contest in future, a press release by the Election Commission stated.
Parties have rushed to the ECB office on May 5, set as the deadline for submitting the Letter of Intent to contest the elections. As per the stipulations of election rules, the parties must submit the complete list of their candidates in all 47 constituencies, failure of which has resulted BKP to fall off the election track.
According to election commission, BKP has no candidates for two constituencies in Gasa.
In order to expedite the attestation of the certificates of contesting candidates, the Royal University of Bhutan remained open during the last weekend.
Meanwhile, the BKP supporters gathered at the party office to share the news and their emotions. Party president Sonam Tobgay said, “ We may die someday but BKP wil remain forever, because what we have is our independence.”
He said that the party would request the ECB to unfold the protocol examination of other parties too, for the purpose of transparency.
The parties are now in the race to campaigning and familiarizing the designated candidates. The common forum debate will start from May 11 in all 47 constituencies.
